Latest Updates

Flyers Release Nylander

News: The Flyers have released Michael Nylander (groin) from his tryout contract, The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Analysis: The veteran forward hasn't played in any games this preseason due to a groin injury. Michael Nylander last played in the NHL in 2008-09 and looks to be a long shot to play in the NHL this season.

AHL Rochester's Nylander to Undergo Potential Career-Ending Surgery

News: Nylander will undergo surgery Monday after suffering an injury to a vertebra in his neck, the Democrat and Chronicle reports.

Analysis: The injury occurred when Nylander, who was on loan from the Washington Capitals, was checked from behind by Grand Rapids' Brendan Smith. The hit appeared legal and no penalty was assessed on the play. Coach Chuck Weber believes that Nylander, who will be 40 before he could return to the ice again, may have played in his final game. "He'll definitely have to do some soul-searching when he has recovered," he said. Through 920 career games, Nylander notched 209 goals and 470 points.

Nylander Loaned to Panthers' AHL Squad

Analysis: Nylander has not played for Washington the last few years and will be playing elsewhere this season. This move is huge for Washington as Florida will be paying most or all of Nylander's $3 million dollar salary. As for Nylander, he may actually get back to the NHL this season, but it is unknown what Florida will do with his services.

Nylander sent to Finland

News: The Washington Post reports that the Capitals have sent C Michael Nylander to Finnish club Jokerit.

Analysis: Nylander is making $5.5 million this season, which is probably a little too much to be playing in the AHL. He might be back in the NHL next season if impresses in Finland, but the veteran has no Fantasy value at this time.

Nylander sent to AHL

Analysis: Nylander has yet to play in a game for the Caps this season and three season removed from an 83-point campaign, it looks like Nylander's Fantasy value is now pretty much zero. One thing's for sure -- with his $5.5 million deal, Nylander better be buying some meals for his teammates in Grand Rapids.

Nylander resolution forthcoming

News: Capitals C Michael Nylander, who has not played this season because coach Bruce Boudreau doesn't think he fits into the team's system, cleared waivers Monday. General manager George McPhee said the Capitals were weighing their options with the veteran center and hoped to have a resolution by Tuesday, when he plans to attend GM meetings in Toronto.

Analysis: Nylander hasn't played all season, having fallen out of favor with the coaching staff and front office. The Capitals have found it difficult to trade the 37-year-old forward because of his $5.5 million salary and the no-movement clause in his contract. It wasn't long ago that Nylander was a high-end Fantasy option. Now, he is not even on the radar because of the sticky situation in Washington. Keep Nylander off Fantasy rosters until further notice.

Nylander's downward spiral continues

News: The Washington Capitals have assigned center Michael Nylander to Grand Rapids of the AHL for a conditioning stint, giving the expensive bench-sitting veteran a chance to get back on the ice. Nylander will continue to count against the Capitals' 23-man roster, but the move to Grand Rapids gives him the opportunity to play without taking playing time from Washington's own prospects.

Analysis: Nylander hasn't played all season, having fallen out of favor with the coaching staff and front office. The Capitals have found it difficult to trade the 37-year-old forward because of his $5.5 million salary and the no-movement clause in his contract. It wasn't long ago that Nylander was a high-end Fantasy option. Now, he is not even on the radar because of the sticky situation in Washington. Keep Nylander off Fantasy rosters until further notice.

Boudreau refutes Nylander's statement

News:The Washington Post reports Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau refutes that center Michael Nylander said Boudreau told him he "wasn't good enough" to play for the Capitals last season. Nylander issued the report in a Swedish newspaper Tuesday and Boudreau simply countered with a brief statement. "I do not have any recollection of saying that to Michael," Boudreau said. "That is not my style, and not something I would say."

Analysis: It has been quite evident that Nylander hasn't been a great fit for Boudreau's system since the coach rolled into town during the 2007-08 season, and this could be just a ploy by Nylander to force a trade out of Washington. It has been reported Nylander wouldn't mind playing for Edmonton, but a trade could be difficult since Nylander carries a big cap hit. If he stays with Washington, he needs to work it out with Boudreau or face reduce PT. Track Nylander's progress before taking a flier on him Draft Day. If he stays with Washington, he is going to have low-end Fantasy appeal.

Nylander could be moved to Russia

News:The Sports Xchange reports the Michael Nylander situation remains unclear in Washington. What is clear is that he and coach Bruce Boudreau won't be going out to dinner any time soon as Nylander just didn't seem to be a good fit in this system. The Caps are rumored to be talking with Avangard Omsk in Russia about some kind of deal. That means he would be back with Jaromir Jagr again. The two played together with the Rangers.

Analysis: Has it really gotten that bad for Nylander that nobody in the NHL is willing to take him? He does have a hefty price tag at $4.8 million for each of the next two seasons, but before suffering a shoulder injury in 2007-08, he was still an effective offensive player. He had just nine goals and 24 assists in 72 games last season, but like already mentioned, he has never been a favorite of Boudreau, who took over for Glen Hanlon midway through the 2007-08 season. Track Nylander's progress before taking a flier on him Draft Day. If he stays with Washington, he is going to have low-end Fantasy appeal.

Nylander has two goals since Feb. 3

News: Capitals C Michael Nylander scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at plus-2 during Sunday's game against the Thrashers. Nylander tallied for only the second time since Feb. 3 when he tied the game at 3 2:43 into the third. He beat Johan Hedberg on a snap shot. It was his first multi-point game since scoring twice Feb. 3.

Analysis: Nylander hasn't received much playing time as of late for Washington since he has been ineffective for awhile in coach Bruce Boudreau's system. Washington would have enjoyed moving him at the trade deadline, but couldn't find any takers for his large contract. Nylander has very low-end Fantasy appeal until further notice.

Nylander takes to ice Thursday

News: Capitals C Michael Nylander returned to the lineup Thursday against the Flyers after missing two games with an upper-body injury. He failed to record a point in 12:08 of ice time and finished at minus-1. Nylander doesn't have a point in seven straight games.

Analysis: Nylander hasn't received much playing time as of late for Washington since he has been ineffective for awhile in coach Bruce Boudreau's system. Washington would have enjoyed moving him at the trade deadline, but couldn't find any takers for his large contract. Nylander has very low-end Fantasy appeal until further notice.

Nylander doesn't dress Tuesday

News: Capitals C Michael Nylander missed a second straight game Tuesday against the Predators with an upper-body injury. He remains questionable heading into Thursday against the Flyers.

Analysis: Nylander hasn't received much playing time as of late for Washington since he has been ineffective for awhile in coach Bruce Boudreau's system. Washington would have enjoyed moving him at the trade deadline, but couldn't find any takers for his large contract. Nylander has very low-end Fantasy appeal until further notice.

Nylander has upper body injury

News: Washington C Michael Nylander was unable to play against the Penguins on Sunday due to an upper body injury sustained against the Maple Leafs on Thursday. He is questionable for Tuesday's game at Nashville

Analysis: Nylander had been a healthy scratch in the four games prior to Thursday's game against Toronto when he got hurt. He is clearly not playing up to expectations and now that he's injured should not be active for the upcoming scoring period.

Nylander still with Capitals

News: Capitals C Michael Nylander, who has been a healthy scratch for four straight games, was not dealt at the Wednesday trade deadline.

Analysis: Nylander might have been moved at the deadline if someone was willing to take on his huge contract, but in this economic setting, it just wasn't going to happen. It will be interesting to see how much Nylander plays down the stretch. Had Nylander not suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in 2007-08, his career with the Capitals could have gone differently. He was a pretty effective offensive player in his first season with Washington last season up until the injury. Now, he just doesn't fit coach Bruce Boudreau's system. Nylander has very low-end Fantasy appeal until further notice.

Nylander scratched a fourth game

News:The Washington Post reports Capitals C Michael Nylander was a healthy scratch for a fourth straight game Tuesday against the Hurricanes. With the trade deadline looming Wednesday, Nylander might be willing to waive his no-trade clause since his PT could be scarce down the stretch.

Analysis: Had Nylander not suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in 2007-08, his career with the Capitals could have gone differently. He was a pretty effective offensive player in his first season with Washington last season up until the injury. Now, he just doesn't fit coach Bruce Boudreau's system and a trade could be beneficial. Nylander has very low-end Fantasy appeal until further notice.

Nylander has two-goal evening

News: Washington coach Bruce Boudreau rolled his eyes and got a priceless look on his face when asked about getting Michael Nylander to shoot the puck more. Unlike Alexander Ovechkin, Nylander sees himself as more a passer and tends to eschew scoring chances. Tuesday night was an exception. Nylander scored twice for the first time since Dec. 29, 2007 and the Capitals snapped the New Jersey Devils' season-high eight-game winning streak with a 5-2 victory on Tuesday. "He doesn't like to shoot," Boudreau said. "We have a few of those guys, and then we have one guy who shoots every chance he gets. He makes up for those guys." Scott Clemmensen, who is 22-10-1 since replacing the injured Martin Brodeur, handed Nylander both his goals. The first came early in the second when the Devils goaltender failed to control a shot by Eric Fehr. Boyd Gordon got the loose puck and centered it to Nylander for a shot into an open net. Nylander put the game away with a shot between Clemmensen's pads on a power play in the third period that occurred after Mike Rupp ran into Jose Theodore after apparently being tripped by a Washington defenseman.

Analysis: Nylander smirked when asked about shooting more, knowing he has heard that from coaches throughout his 14 seasons in the NHL. "I should have done that for many years," said Nylander, who now has 207 career goals. "It's good when you are shooting to see the puck go in. I know I think we played pretty good as a team." Nylander has four goals and four assists in his last nine games. He has been in an offensive lull for most of the season, but perhaps is making himself a bit more attractive for the trade deadline. Nylander has decent Fantasy potential, but until he can put together a nice, long run, consider him a low-end option.

Nylander a healthy scratch Tuesday

News: Washington C Michael Nylander was a healthy scratch for the third time this season Tuesday against the Senators. He had one goal and three assists in his previous five games.

Analysis: Nylander got off to a quick start this season with two goals and four assists in four games, but he has produced just 18 points in his last 41 outings. He is completely healed following shoulder surgery, but just seems to have trouble finding his groove under coach Bruce Boudreau. Nylander has low-end Fantasy appeal until he gets back on track.

Nylander scores first since Oct. 16

News: Capitals C Michael Nylander ended a massive goal slump Saturday when he scored in a win over the Canadiens. His previous goal had come on Oct. 16.

Analysis: Nylander, who had back-to-back 20-plus goal seasons with the Rangers in 2005-07, has only three goals in 30 games this season. He has been the subject of numerous trade rumors of late, and isn't likely to finish the year in Washington. He can be a point-per-game guy when healthy, but for now is only a low-end Fantasy forward best left for deeper leagues.

Nylander to play on wing?

News: The Washington Post reports that struggling Capitals C Michael Nylander worked out as a winger during Thursday's morning skate prior to Washington's game vs. the Islanders. "I just wanted to see how he felt," coach Bruce Boudreau said of moving Nylander. "It could last one shift or it might not even start that way."

Analysis: Nylander, who had back-to-back 20-plus goal seasons with the Rangers in 2005-07, has only two goals in 24 games this season. He has been the subject of numerous trade rumors of late, and isn't likely to finish the year in Washington. He can be a point-per-game guy when healthy, but for now is only a low-end Fantasy forward best left for deeper leagues.

Nylander on his way to Chicago?

News:The Sports Xchange reports was there a trade or wasn't there? The Blackhawks and Washington Capitals have been talking for a while about a swap that would bring center Michael Nylander back to the Hawks. It looked like a done deal when Dustin Byfuglien, a player the Caps want, quickly exited the morning skate before Thursday's game at Dallas and then wasn't around afterward. The Hawks claimed he was injured, coach Joel Quenneville saying Byfuglien was "day to day." The Hawks could use Nylander, who is no longer needed in Washington. He comes with a high price tag, however, and his acquisition would push the Hawks over the salary cap if just Byfuglien were to go in the deal. That's why the Hawks initially nixed it. If the Hawks also could ship veteran defenseman Brent Sopel to the Caps the deal might get done. Sopel was listed as a healthy scratch at Dallas and he's been a disappointing minus-7 in a season beset with injuries.

Analysis: Whether the trade gets made or not, the Hawks need a veteran center and the trade of goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin, which seemed likely earlier in the season, doesn't seem so likely now. Nylander also needs out of Washington since he has pretty much fallen into the doghouse with poor performances over the last month. A trade to a top contender would elevate Nylander's Fantasy value again, so Fantasy owners will want this deal to get done. Stay tuned.

Nylander struggling for points

News:Michael Nylander, struggling with only one point in the previous seven games, returned for Washington Saturday against the Devils after sitting Friday as a healthy scratch. Nylander didn't get a point in 12:26 of ice time and finished at minus-2. He took one shot on net.

Analysis: Nylander had such a good start to the season and was solid in the preseason after coming off major shoulder surgery. He displayed point-per-game potential early on, but has since been mired in a scoring funk. He hasn't scored since Oct. 16 and has just three assists in his last 12 games. Until Nylander snaps out of his funk, he should probably be reserved in most leagues.

Nylander tallies a pair of assists

News: Capitals C Michael Nylander tallied a pair of assists and finished at plus-1 in 12:12 of ice time Saturday against the Stars. It was his first points in four games.

Analysis: Nylander has been moved down to the team's third scoring line after opening the season with two goals and three assists in four games. The Capitals continue to change up their lines, so it's a bit erratic at times when it comes to Nylander's PT. The good news is that he hasn't suffered any setbacks from shoulder surgery and Nylander remains a decent No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy forward.

Nylander piling up points

News: Capitals C Michael Nylander had a goal and an assist during Thursday's 4-3 comeback win against the Penguins. Nylander won a faceoff to set up Alexander Semin's fourth goal in four games early in the third, then scored himself exactly 10 minutes into the period to make it 3-3 following a Sidney Crosby turnover. Crosby tried to make a no-look pass into the offensive zone, only to have the Capitals intercept it and start a rush the other way that resulted in Nylander's second goal in as many games.

Analysis: Nylander has two straight multi-point games and has at least one point in three of four contests. He has six total. Nylander's 2007-08 came to a screeching halt because of a shoulder injury, but he has had plenty of time to rehab and has looked good early on in 2008-09. He is back to being a potential point-per-game player and can be treated as a No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy forward.

Nylander showing no ill-effects

News:Michael Nylander is showing no ill effects from missing half a season with a surgically repaired left shoulder. Nylander set up two second-period goals as the unbeaten Washington Capitals held off the New Jersey Devils 3-2 on Monday night for their fourth straight preseason victory. "I think he is a little on a mission himself," Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau said of Nylander, who now has two goals and four assists in three preseason games. "Here is a guy who got 89 points two years ago and he gets hurt and misses the last half of the year, and the team succeeds without him. So he has come in here and said: 'I am a good hockey player. I am one of the elite players in the NHL.' And he was two years ago when we signed him. So he is a proud man and he has come back with a vengeance."

Analysis: Nylander, who played in 40 games before surgery in January, said his shoulder is getting better every day. "I am just going to play the way I know I can play, and be the same player I have been in the past," Nylander said. "I want to get back to that level. I know my level. I want to be there and I am going to get there." Nylander will likely have to start the season on the team's second line behind Nicklas Backstrom, who really shined as a rookie in place of Nylander. But if he is not traded, Nylander still could pay huge dividends on the team's second line. "He is great passer," Boudreau said. "The problem is the guys can't think along the same line as him. He holds on to it and holds on to it and he can make the great play. If you are not ready to do it, you are in trouble." View Nylander as bit of an injury-risk No. 3 Fantasy forward.

Nylander cleared for camp

News: Capitals captain Chris Clark (groin) and center Michael Nylander (torn left rotator cuff), who both missed the end of last season, are ready for the start of camp.

Analysis: Nylander was cruising along in 2007-08 before the shoulder injury struck in January and ended his season. He had 37 points in 40 games and was loving life playing alongside Alex Ovechkin. Well, in his absence Nicklas Backstrom emerged and has cemented himself as the team's top-line center. The Caps are even dangling Nylander as trade bait. He is still a solid offensive player, but he is getting top line money and that job now belongs to Backstrom. Nylander will play in the NHL next season, but where and in what condition remains to be seen. View Nylander as bit of an injury-risk No. 3 Fantasy forward.

Nylander mentioned as trade bait

News:The Sports Xchange reports a player that might be making too much for his team is Washington center Michael Nylander, who still has three years left on a deal with an annual salary cap hit of $5-million. After missing the second half of last season because of a shoulder injury, Nylander's name is being bandied about as trade bait because the Capitals have two other centers ahead of him and are over the cap.

Analysis: It's not like the Capitals don't want Nylander, who had 37 points in 40 games last season. He is still a solid offensive player, but he is getting top line money and that job now belongs to Nicklas Backstrom. Nylander will play in the NHL next season, but where and in what condition remains to be seen. View Nylander as bit of an injury-risk No. 3 Fantasy forward.

Nylander out for the season

News: Capitals C Michael Nylander will undergo surgery Wednesday on his torn left rotator cuff and will miss three to six months, according to the Washington Post. Nylander has reportedly been playing in pain for more than a month and was unable to sleep because of the injury.

Analysis: Nylander had 37 points in 40 games this season, and was playing pretty well recently with four multi-point games in his last six. Considering how bad his shoulder was, those numbers say a lot about the heart of the former Islanders forward. He was playing well with Alex Ovechkin earlier this season (well, who wouldn't?), but was playing on the second line when his season ended and was about 15 points behind his pace of last season. Feel free to drop him in all formats at this time.

Nylander nets 11th goal, 26th assist

News: Capitals C Michael Nylander scored his 11th goal and tallied his 26th assist during Sunday's game against the Flyers. He now has at least one point in four of his last six games. He has four goals and four assists in that span.

Analysis: On any given night, Nylander will either man the top scoring or second line for the Capitals. Either way, he has proven to be productive and a solid No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy forward.

Nylander nets two points again

News: Capitals C Michael Nylander tallied two assists and a plus-1 rating in 13:13 of ice time Saturday against the Canadiens. He now has three two-point games in his last four outings. He has three goals and three assists in that span.

Analysis: Whether he is playing with or without Alex Ovechkin, Nylander continues to put points on the board. He now has 35 in 38 games and his only blemish is a minus-15 rating. He remains a sold No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy center at this time.

Sens can't stop Nylander

News: Capitals C Michael Nylander scored a goal, added an assist and finished at minus-1 during Tuesday's game against the Senators. The two-point performance comes after he scored two goals Saturday against Ottawa. He also has three assists in his last seven games.

Analysis: Nylander has been a solid center on the top line for the Capitals playing alongside Alex Ovechkin. Since Ovechkin pretty much gets a point per night, there is a good chance Nylander makes it onto the stat sheet. He remains a sold No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy center at this time.

Nylander has assist in 6 of 7 games

News: Capitals C Michael Nylander tallied an assist and finished at even during Saturday's game against the Islanders. He now has one assist in six of his last seven games.

Analysis: Nylander has been a solid center on the top line for the Capitals playing alongside Alex Ovechkin. Since Ovechkin pretty much gets a point per night, there is a good chance Nylander makes it onto the stat sheet. He remains a sold No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy center at this time.

Nylander tallies assist in return

News: Capitals C Michael Nylander returned to the lineup Friday against the Sabres after missing four games with an undisclosed injury. Nylander played for just 15:36 and finished at minus-3, but did record an assist. He now has an assist in each of his last three games and five in six games.

Analysis: Nylander played a few minutes less than he normally does Friday, but it is good to see him continue to be productive coming off injury. It appears as though the few games rest has worked out and Fantasy owners can once again use Nylander as a high-end Fantasy option.

Caps mum on Nylander's status

News: Capitals C Michael Nylander was scratched for the fourth consecutive game Wednesday against the Rangers with an injury that the team will not describe.

Analysis: It's really frustrating to Fantasy owners when a team won't disclose any injury news about a Fantasy relevant player. As far as we know, Nylander remains day to day. He plays on the top line with Alex Ovechkin, but still manages to find scoring opportunities. Nylander is a high-end Fantasy forward when healthy.

Nylander sits out again

News: Capitals C Michael Nylander missed his third straight game with an undisclosed injury Monday against New Jersey.

Analysis: Nylander has two goals and four assists in his last five games. He has been a steady player for the Capitals even with the coaching change. He plays on the top line with Alex Ovechkin, but still manages to find scoring opportunities. The assists will obviously be there because Ovechkin is one of the top scorers in the NHL. Nylander is a high-end Fantasy forward when healthy.

Nylander kept out Saturday

News: Capitals C Michael Nylander missed a second straight game Saturday against the Thrashers with an undisclosed injury. Nylander was unable to practice Thursday and it was then announced he would miss Friday's game against New Jersey.

Analysis: Nylander has two goals and four assists in his last five games. He has been a steady player for the Capitals even with the coaching change. He plays on the top line with Alex Ovechkin, but still manages to find scoring opportunities. The assists will obviously be there because Ovechkin is one of the top scorers in the NHL. Nylander is a high-end Fantasy forward when healthy. He is day to day.

Capitals skate without Nylander

News: The Capitals were without second-leading scorer Michael Nylander on Friday against the Devils as he was sidelined with an undisclosed injury. Nylander, behind only Alex Ovechkin with 25 points, practiced Wednesday but not Thursday when the team said he was hurt and wouldn't play against the Devils.

Analysis: Nylander has two goals and four assists in his last five games. He has been a steady player for the Capitals even with the coaching change. He plays on the top line with Ovechkin, but still manages to find scoring opportunities. The assists will obviously be there because Ovechkin is one of the top scorers in the NHL. Nylander is a high-end Fantasy forward when healthy. He is day to day.

Nylander posts two points

News: Capitals C Michael Nylander had a goal and an assist during Friday's 4-3 loss to the Hurricanes. Nylander's goal came with 4:07 to play and pulled Washington within a goal, before Cam Ward stopped three good scoring chances in the final 90 seconds. Nylander finished at minus-1 and was also hit with a two-minute penalty because of hooking.

Analysis: Nylander has three multi-point games in his last seven contests. He has two goals and five assists in that span. It is unfortunate that he has a minus-7 rating in his last six games and a minus-13 this season. The 35-year old is still having a solid season and remains a high-end Fantasy forward.

Nylander posts three points

News: Capitals center Michael Nylander had a goal and two assists, and the Capitals won their second straight under interim head coach Bruce Boudreau with a 5-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday. Good luck, however, getting any of the Capitals to elaborate on their interim coach's newfangled man-advantage strategy. "I can't tell you," Michael Nylander said with a smile. "Seriously, I can't say anything."

Analysis: Nylander was doing just fine under the fired Glen Hanlon, but if he continues posting multi-points outings under Boudreau, it would be welcomed in the Fantasy world. Nylander has been fairly consistent to open the season. He had 83 points for the Rangers last season and is a solid high-end Fantasy forward.

Nylander assists on two goals

News: Capitals C Michael Nylander picked up two assists and finished with a plus-1 rating Friday against the Flyers. Nylander now has at least one point in six of his last seven games (two goals, seven assists).

Analysis: Nylander has been fairly consistent to open the season. He has at least one point in 10 of 13 games. Nylander had 83 points for the Rangers last season and is a solid high-end Fantasy forward.

Three helpers for Nylander

News: C Michael Nylander had three assists at Toronto Monday.

Analysis: Nylander has been fairly consistent to open the season. He has at least one point in each of his past five games. He has two goals and five assists in that span. Nylander had 83 points for the Rangers last season and is a solid high-end Fantasy forward.

Nylander scores power play goal

News: Capitals C Michael Nylander scored his third goal of the season 8:45 in the first period of Friday's game against the Canucks. It came on the first test for Washington's new top power-play unit, featuring five forwards. Alexander Ovechkin smacked a shot, and Chris Clark and Viktor Kozlov battled two Canucks for the rebound. Nylander swooped in and lifted a shot past Roberto Luongo, 30 seconds after Markus Naslund was sent off for holding.

Analysis: Nylander has been fairly consistent to open the season. He has at least one point in six of nine games. He has three goals and four assists. Nylander had 83 points for the Rangers last season and is a solid high-end Fantasy forward.

Nylander will not make debut

News: Alexander Ovechkin will sit as a precaution for Sunday's preseason opener against the Hurricanes, joining newcomers Viktor Kozlov and Michael Nylander on the sidelines. Alexander Semin (facial lacerations) will also miss the game.

Analysis: Nylander is a tremendous addition to Fantasy rosters on Draft Day and this absence is nothing to worry about. The Capitals simply want to get a look at their younger players and those challenging for roster spots.

Nylander to play with Caps

News: Much to the chagrin of the Edmonton Oilers, Michael Nylander signed a four-year contract with the Washington Capitals. He will skate with phenom Alexander Ovechkin in the nation's capital and will also mentor rookie Swede C Nicklas Backstrom.

Analysis: The Edmonton Oilers claimed that Nylander backed out of an agreement to join their club, as the management in Edmonton said they negotiated and agreed to a multi-year contract. The team complained to the NHL, but there is no word on what, if anything, can or will be done. Nylander is a must-start in all Fantasy leagues heading into 2007-08, especially since he'll be skating with Ovechkin.

Nylander might not return

News: The New York Post reports Michael Nylander might not return to the Rangers in 2007-08, as there is reportedly a rift between the player and management concering his value to the team.

Analysis: Nylander posted a career-high 83 points in the regular season and carried that momentum over with six points and 13 points in the playoffs. The team offered him a low-ball two-year contract offer, which he might be poised to reject. That would not make Jaromir Jagr very happy, as that duo has been dynamic together. Stay tuned.

Nylander plays in 800th NHL game

News: Rangers C Michael Nylander played in his 800th NHL game on Wednesday, recording his 51st assist of the season on Jaromir Jagr's second-period goal against the Flyers. He has three assists in his last four games.

Analysis: Nylander continues to be an assist machine in this his 13th NHL season. Continue to use him as a high-end Fantasy forward.

Nylander plays on Saturday

News: Rangers C Michael Nylander (head) was able to play on Saturday against the Thrashers. He played for 23:13, had an assist and finished with a minus-1 rating.

Analysis: It appears safe to get Nylander back into all active Fantasy lineups. He has been on fire as of late, getting a point in eight of his last nine games. He has three goals and eight assists during that stretch. He is a must-start Fantasy option.

Nylander suffers head injury

News: The New York Post reports Michael Nylander suffered a head injury in the third period of Tuesday's game against the Devils. Travis Zajac bumped him into teammate Brendan Shanahan and he reported feeling "woozy" afterwards.

Analysis: Let's consider Nylander day to day just to be on the safe side, although he has all the way until Saturday to recover. Keep him reserved in all daily Fantasy leagues just as a precaution.

Nylander gets an assist

News: Rangers C Michael Nylander (personal) returned to action on Saturday against the Senators. He got an assist and finished with an even-rating in the win.

Analysis: Nylander left after the first period of Thursday's game against the Penguins because his wife went into labor. He is now back with the team and earned his 26th assist of the season on Saturday. Get him back and keep him in Fantasy lineups. He is a great Fantasy center.

Nylander heats up lately

News: Michael Nylander has scored three goals with eight assists in the month of January.

Analysis: Nylander also has a plus-9 in that span with 10 PIM. He's not the 25-goal scorer he once was, but Nylander can still rack up the assists. He's worth using as a No. 2 or 3 center in Fantasy play.

Nylander has goal, assist

News: Michael Nylander scored a goal and added an assist in Saturday's game against Atlanta.

Analysis: Nylander has six points (1 G, 5 A) in six games so far for the Rangers. He is also a plus-2 for the surprising Rangers. If they continue to play well, he might be a decent Fantasy starter, but look for his plus/minus rating to decrease over time.

Nylander traded to Boston

News: The Boston Bruins acquired Michael Nylander from Washington Thursday for a second round pick and considerations. Nylander will center the Bruins second line. "Nylander is something we've been looking for this year, someone to play behind Joe (Thornton) and provide another offensive punch," said Bruins coach Mike Sullivan.

Analysis: Sullivan should remain in starting lineups in all leagues as the Bruins make a strong playoff push in the last month or so of the season.

Nylander ready to play

News: Michael Nylander (broken leg) is set to make his season debut sometime during the Capitals' five-game homestand. "We're hoping he can play this week," said head coach Glen Hanlon. "Right now, the biggest thing for him is getting his timing and conditioning back."

Analysis: Nylander should remain reserved through the week until he gets a few games under his belt.

Nylander might practice next week

News: Capitals general manager George McPhee told the Washington Post that Michael Nylander (broken bone in leg) might return to practice next week. Nylander will need at least one week of practice in order to get into game shape.

Analysis: Nylander is a useful player to round out your lineup when healthy. He'll probably need several games to get back to full speed once activated, however.

Nylander suffers broken leg

News: Michael Nylander fractured his right leg during a collision in Thursday's practice, according to the Washington Post. He will miss four to six weeks.

Analysis: Nylander was set to serve as the top-line center beside Jaromir Jagr, so this injury might have an adverse effect on Jagr's production early in the season. Kip Miller was promoted to Nylander's spot for the remainder of Thursday's practice.

News: Nylander centered the Capitals' second line during Monday's practice. He skated between Andreas Salomonsson and Peter Bondra. If Nylander sticks on Bondra's or Jaromir Jagr's line the remainder of the season, it might mean a healthy boost in assists. He's easily worth a starting spot in all but the smallest of Fantasy leagues.

News: The Washington Capitals acquired Nylander from the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday. Chris Simon and Andrei Nikoliskin were shipped to the Blackhawks. The Washington Post reports that Nylander's arrival might shift Dainius Zubrus back to wing, meaning he might be able to land the second-line center job. Unless Nylander lands on a line with either Jaromir Jagr or Peter Bondra, he is not going to be a quality Fantasy starter.

News: Nylander was hit in the head by a puck during Tuesday's practice, and missed that night's preseason game. He is day to day, and has also been battling a groin injury. This injury should have little effect on Nylander's Draft Day value.

News: The Blackhawks might consider using Nylander as their first-line center alongside Theo Fleury, according to the Chicago Daily Herald. The two played well together as linemates in Calgary, and coach Brian Sutter will take it under consideration. Nylander's Fantasy value would get a slight boost if this move sticks, while Alex Zhamnov's value would drop slightly if he gets stuck on the second line. Monitor this situation during the preseason.

News: The Chicago Blackhawks are frustrated with the way Nylander has tailed off lately and are looking to replace him with another second-line center. They've been actively scouting the Florida Panthers lately, looking at Jason Wiemer, who was a favorite of Blackhawks coach Brian Sutter when they were both at Calgary. Monitor this situation. Nylander's value will decrease if he is dropped from the second line.

News: The Chicago Blackhawks on Monday re-signed center Michael Nylander, who set a career high with 24 goals last season. Terms were not disclosed. Nylander, a Group II free agent, was acquired in a trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning on Nov. 12 and played in 66 games for the Blackhawks, recording 23 goals and 28 assists. He appears to be a player capable of 20 goals and near 50 points if he can stay healthy.

News: Nylander scored four goals against Boston on Saturday. Nylander, who now has seven goals this season, last scored as many as three in a game on April 7, 1993, at Ottawa as a member of the Hartford Whalers.

News: Winger Michael Nylander joined his third team this year on Friday when the Chicago Blackhawks acquired him from the Tampa Bay Lightning for defenseman Bryan Muir and forward Reid Simpson. Nylander had a goal and two assists while playing 11 of Tampa Bay's 14 games this season. Over parts of seven NHL seasons, the 27-year-old Swede has 59 goals and 138 assists in 320 games. He began his career with Hartford, which selected him in the fourth round of the 1991 draft.